Edward Eugene

Sanders, Sr.

Born in Thomasville, Georgia on July 26, 1944, he was the son of Earnest Richard Sanders and Laura Irene McKelvin. Eugene was one of eleven children; a loving brother, son, and friend. As a young boy in the 1950s, he enjoyed days at Varnedoe Field serving as a bat boy for the Thomasville Dodgers. He loved working behind the butcher counter at Jack's Food Store in Thomasville in his teens. At the age of 17, Eugene met the love of his life, Carolyn Crosby, through a mutual friend. They married on October 20, 1962, which began a life long journey of love, determination, and as he said "Heaven on Earth". The relationship they developed is a true testament of God's love. In September 1966, the two welcomed their pride and joy, Edward Eugene (Gene) Sanders Jr. into the world. Eugene was a devoted father and servant of the Lord. He coached many baseball and football teams as his son grew, including co-creating the midget football league at Ravenwood Private School in Meigs. He co-taught Sunday School with his bride at both First Assembly of God in Thomasville and Zion Grove Assembly of God in Meigs, GA, and spent many Sunday mornings spreading the Gospel through music and his singing talent. In order to be a friend and servant of the community, he owned and operated Gene's Quickstop with his son in the 1980s and 90s. After closing his store, he began working as the assistant manager at Lowe's in Thomasville, and ended his career working as a store manager at the Pelham Trading Post for 23 years. While working, he was a devoted mentor and friend, leading many co-workers to following the Lord by sharing His goodness. Of all the roles he played in life, being the best husband, Dad and Papa was his greatest accomplishment. Eugene loved his family fiercely and unconditionally, giving everything and holding nothing back.

Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Earnest R. and Laura (McKelvin) Sanders, sister Stella Mae Lloyd, and brothers Richard Sanders, Donald Sanders, Frank Sanders, James Earl Sanders, WA Sanders and JL Sanders. Survivors include his loving bride of 60 years, Carolyn Crosby Sanders; son Edward Eugene (Gene) Sanders Jr. and wife Krista; granddaughters Heather Sanders Yates and husband Michael, Peyton Smithwick Maloy, and Kendall Sanders Roach and husband Matthew; grandsons Ashton Smithwick and Christian Sanders; great grandchildren Mason Maloy, Jayden Maloy, Kaleigh Maloy, John Louis Roach, Lennon Roach, Parker Roach and Kallyn Yates; sisters Eva Sanders Jenkins, and Betty Jean Love and her husband Bill; sister-in-law Linda Stranger and her husband Randy and brother-in-law Tony Crosby; several nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Zion Grove Assembly of God (422 Zion Grove Church Road Meigs, GA 31765) with Rev. Tony Morris and Rev. Curt McCullough officiating. Pallbearers will be Ashton Smithwick, Christian Sanders, Matthew Roach, Donnie Palmer, Kyle Adams, and Bobby Hodges. Honorary pallbearers will be Heather Sanders Yates, Kendall Sanders Roach, Michael Yates, Neadom Palmer, Linda Palmer, Amy Palmer, Wanda Hurst Pollock, and Donnie Griner. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eugene's name to either the UF Health Cancer Center Fund ( https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/000737-uf-health-cancer-center/#givenow ) or the Lymphoma Research Foundation ( https://secure3.convio.net/lrf/site/SPageNavigator/mobile_blackbaud_checkout_2240.html ).